Women's Only Wreck & Reef Dive - Okinawa Wreck

Join us for an unforgettable women's-only dive adventure on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 1:30 PM! Dive the famous Okinawa wreck and its adjacent reef with South Florida Diving, and discover one of the most unique and whimsical dive sites in South Florida's legendary Shipwreck Park.

The Okinawa: Where History Meets Underwater Art

The Okinawa is no ordinary wreck dive - it's an underwater masterpiece that combines maritime history with artistic wonder. This 107-foot Army tug, purposely sunk by Shipwreck Park Inc., has become the 18th wreck in Pompano Beach's famous Shipwreck Park and one of the most talked-about dive sites on Florida's east coast.

Wreck Specifications:

• Size: 107' long x 26' 6" wide
• Displacement: 350 tons when loaded
• Engine: 40,000 lb Fairbanks Morse
• Propeller: 8 feet in diameter, over 2,000 lbs
• Position: Bow pointing south, sitting perfectly upright
• Depth: 69 feet at the sand, rising to 35 feet at the pilot house top

The Midnight Sun: An Underwater Dive Bar Like No Other

What makes the Okinawa truly special is the Midnight Sun - a whimsical underwater dive bar created by renowned artist Dennis McDonald. Sponsored by Finlandia Vodka, this magical installation transforms the wreck into an enchanting underwater experience you won't find anywhere else.

Discover the magic:

• Enchanting mermaid sculpture holding a mystical "Gazing Globe"
• Whimsical sea creatures adorning the dive bar
• Reflective gazing globe - see yourself and remember we are all stewards of the ocean
• Penetration opportunity - swim through the wheelhouse opening into the engine room and exit through the dive bar!

Dive Details

Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Shipwreck Park, Pompano Beach
Dive Operator: South Florida Diving
Dive Type: Anchor Dive (Wreck + Reef)
Depth Range: 35-70 feet
Skill Level Required: Open Water Diver or higher
Dives: Two-tank dive - Okinawa wreck followed by nearby reef

Why This Women's Only Dive is Perfect for You

Whether you're new to wreck diving or a seasoned underwater explorer, the Okinawa offers something magical for every female diver. The wreck's upright position, excellent visibility, and artistic features make it an ideal site for photographers, marine life enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a truly unique diving experience.

What makes this dive special:

• Artistic underwater installation - perfect for photos and videos
• Easy penetration route for those wanting to explore inside safely
• Abundant marine life - the wreck has become an artificial reef teeming with fish
• Bonus reef dive - explore natural coral formations after the wreck
• Supportive women's community - dive with like-minded female adventurers
• Instagram-worthy moments - the mermaid and gazing globe are unforgettable

Perfect for Open Water Divers

With depths ranging from 35 to 70 feet, the Okinawa is accessible to Open Water Divers while still offering plenty of excitement for advanced divers. The wreck sits upright on the sand at 69 feet, but the pilot house rises to just 35 feet, giving divers of all comfort levels the opportunity to explore this incredible site.

What to Expect on Your Dive

Dive 1: The Okinawa Wreck
Descend the anchor line to discover the perfectly preserved Army tug standing upright on the sandy bottom. Explore the massive 8-foot propeller and 40,000-pound Fairbanks Morse engine. Swim around the exterior to admire Dennis McDonald's artistic sea creatures, then meet the magical mermaid holding her gazing globe - look into it and see your own reflection, a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect the ocean.

For those comfortable with wreck penetration, enter through the opening in front of the wheelhouse, swim through the engine room, and exit up through the whimsical Midnight Sun dive bar. It's a safe, straightforward swim-through that adds an extra dimension of adventure to your dive.

Dive 2: Adjacent Reef
After your surface interval, explore the beautiful natural reef near the Okinawa. Pompano Beach's reefs are known for their healthy coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasional shark sightings. It's the perfect complement to your wreck dive!

Why Join a Women's Only Dive?

Our women's only dive events create an empowering, supportive environment where female divers can build confidence, share experiences, and forge lasting friendships underwater. From newly certified Open Water divers to experienced wreck enthusiasts, all women are welcome to join this special adventure.

Benefits of diving with us:

• Judgment-free, encouraging atmosphere
• Connect with fellow female divers
• Build wreck diving confidence
• Share your passion for underwater exploration
• Create memories and friendships that last a lifetime

About Shipwreck Park Pompano Beach

The Okinawa is part of Pompano Beach's world-famous Shipwreck Park, an intentional artificial reef system that has become one of the premier dive destinations in South Florida. With 18 wrecks purposely sunk to create habitat for marine life and adventure for divers, Shipwreck Park offers some of the best wreck diving on Florida's east coast.